However, our first day was not pleasant. I had run out of cigarettes and I was irritable. I contributed this to the lack of sleep and food. We could not eat on the flight. I also found our greeting too militant and had expected a more cordial welcome. We were immediately escorted in groups of five to stores to retrieve our desert boots. The smallest size they had for me was 12, instead of the seven I needed to fit me, so I left them there. My second experience was going to the washroom and seeing disturbing and vulgar graffiti on the walls. I was also menstruating and wondered what remnants of that was being left around. I had been unprepared.
We had a quick tour of the base and of our barracks adjacent to our club called “Beaver,” representing Canada’s beaver. I had my own room and was happy about that. It also had an air conditioner. As soon as I was free, I went to our club to buy cigarettes, only to be informed that I needed coupons to buy them and I would not get them until 4 PM that day. I was not happy and I just stood there glaring at him. He later attempted to appease me by offering me a cigarette. I responded with a quick “no” and ignored him. I would later come to understand why he would not sell me cigarettes. The RSM who had been a Warrant Officer in my Junior Leader Course lent me three of his coupons so I could buy two packages of cigarettes. I was rescued.
Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “For love of country : military policewoman.
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